Showers

How to Choose the Best Shower for Your Bathroom?

To choose the best shower for your bathroom, start by identifying your water system, combi boiler, gravity fed, or unvented cylinder, as this determines which shower types will actually work in your home. Then decide between electric, mixer, thermostatic, or power shower based on your setup and budget. Once those are confirmed, choose the head style, finish, and features that suit the room.

 

What Are the Different Types of Showers Available?

The main types of showers available are electric showers, mixer showers, thermostatic showers, power showers, and digital showers. Electric showers heat water independently from the mains cold supply, so they work with any plumbing system. Mixer and thermostatic showers draw from your existing hot and cold supply and need adequate pressure to perform well. Power showers are designed specifically for low pressure gravity fed systems and use a built in pump to boost flow.

 

What Is the Difference Between a Thermostatic and a Manual Mixer Shower?

The difference between a thermostatic and a manual mixer shower is temperature control and safety. A manual mixer lets you set the temperature by adjusting the hot and cold balance yourself, which means the temperature can spike or drop if someone runs a tap elsewhere in the house. A thermostatic valve locks the water at your chosen temperature and compensates automatically for pressure changes, making it a much safer option for families with young children or older adults.

 

Will My Shower Work with a Combi Boiler?

A mixer shower or thermostatic shower works perfectly with a combi boiler, as combi boilers deliver hot water at mains pressure without a separate storage tank. Electric showers also work fine with a combi boiler as they heat water independently. The one type that does not work with a combi boiler is a power shower, which needs a gravity fed system with separate hot and cold tanks in the loft to function correctly.

 

Which Shower Is Best for Low Water Pressure?

The best shower for low water pressure is either an electric shower or a power shower. Electric showers heat cold mains water independently and are not affected by low hot water pressure. Power showers have a built in pump that boosts the flow from a gravity fed system, giving a strong shower experience even when the natural pressure is low. A standard mixer shower will underperform on a low pressure gravity fed system without a separate pump fitted on the supply.

 

Do I Need a Plumber or Electrician to Fit a Shower?

Whether you need a plumber, electrician, or both depends on the shower type. A mixer or thermostatic shower needs a qualified plumber to connect the water supply. An electric shower needs both a plumber for the water connection and a certified electrician to wire it into a dedicated circuit, as UK Part P Building Regulations require electrical work in bathrooms to be signed off professionally. Never attempt to wire an electric shower yourself.

 

What Power Rating Do I Need for an Electric Shower?

The right power rating for an electric shower depends on your mains water pressure and how strong you want the flow to be. Most UK homes suit an 8.5kW to 10.5kW electric shower for a decent flow rate. A higher kW rating heats water faster and delivers better pressure, but it also requires a thicker cable and a higher rated fuse or MCB in the consumer unit. Always confirm the electrical supply specification with a certified electrician before choosing a kW rating.

 

What Does WRAS Approved Mean on a Shower?

WRAS approved means the shower has been tested and certified to comply with the UK Water Supply Regulations, confirming that the materials and design will not contaminate the mains drinking water supply. It is the standard mark to look for when buying any product that connects to the mains water supply in the UK. At Bathroom Mountain, WRAS approval is indicated on product listings where applicable.

 

Why Does My Shower Run Cold When Someone Uses a Tap Elsewhere?

A shower that runs cold when another tap is used almost always means you have a manual mixer shower without thermostatic control. When another outlet draws cold water, the balance in the mixer shifts toward hot, causing a temperature spike, or toward cold if hot water is drawn elsewhere. Fitting a thermostatic shower valve solves this completely, as it rebalances automatically within seconds to maintain the set temperature regardless of what else is running in the house.

 

How Do I Descale a Shower Head and Keep It Flowing Properly?

To descale a shower head, remove it from the hose and soak it in a bowl of diluted white vinegar for 30 to 60 minutes, then rinse thoroughly under running water before refitting. For shower heads with rubber nozzles, rubbing each nozzle with your thumb while soaking dislodges limescale blockages quickly. In hard water areas across the South and East of England, descaling every one to two months keeps the flow even and prevents pressure loss caused by blocked spray holes building up over time.

What Is The Best Mixer Shower?

The best mixer shower is a thermostatic model matched to your water system. A thermostatic valve keeps the temperature steady and protects against scalding, which makes it the safest choice for family bathrooms. Check the minimum working pressure on the product before buying, especially on a low pressure gravity fed system.

Which Is Better, A Shower Diverter Or A Mixer?

They do different jobs, so one is not better than the other. A mixer blends hot and cold water to set the temperature, while a diverter switches the flow between outlets, such as a fixed overhead head and a handset, or a bath spout and a shower. Many mixer valves have a built-in diverter, so choose one of these if you want two outlets.

 

 

Thinking of upgrading your shower? Read our guide to rainfall shower heads to learn about their benefits, different styles and how to choose the right option for your bathroom.